Leather: European Social and Environmental Report 2026 - LAUNCH
On 9 April 2026, Edoardo De Paola (COTANCE) and Camille Franger (industriAll Europe), the European Social Partners of the leather/tanning sector, officially launched a new joint Social Dialogue project aimed at delivering the 2026 Social and Environmental Report of the European Leather Industry (SER2026).
The initiative, supported by the European Commission, will run for 20 months and builds on the previous 2020 edition of the report. The 2026 version will update the previous one to reflect the latest regulatory and sustainability developments shaping the sector. This initiative will be carried out with the collaboration of affiliates in 6 EU Member States (see hereunder).
The project will collect and analyse data from a representative sample of European tanneries and trade unions, on more than 37 social indicators and about 39 environmental parameters. This exercise will provide reliable benchmarks on social and environmental performances to support companies in adapting to new EU requirements, including the ESPR and CSRD/CS3D frameworks.
Company data will be anonymised and aggregated at national level before being computed at European level for drawing the conclusions that will flow into the SER2026 report.
The project will also include a dedicated social dialogue workshop, bringing together employers and workers to discuss key findings. Also, a wide communication and dissemination campaign is included in the project’s scope to ensure strong visibility and uptake of the results.
“With SER2026, we are taking an essential step forward in strengthening transparency, credibility and data-driven decision making for the European leather industry. This report is truly by the industry, and for the industry. It will fill a critical gap where no national, European, or comparable international data exists. The previous edition, SER2020, remains the most downloaded document on the COTANCE website, and has become a key benchmark in our dialogue with the European Commission. By aligning social and environmental performance with the latest EU policy developments, we are reinforcing the sector’s commitment to high standards and continuous improvement” — Edoardo De Paola, Secretary General, COTANCE
“The SER2026 project represents a milestone for the European leather sector, reinforcing the importance of social dialogue between workers and employers, advancing sustainability across the entire industry, and ensuring that good quality, secure jobs remain at the heart of our sector’s development. By combining reliable data with collaborative discussion, we are building a stronger, more responsible, and future-ready leather industry for all” - said Judith Kirton-Darling, General Secretary of industriAll Europe.
The initiative will conclude with a final conference in Brussels, where the findings of SER2026 will be presented to stakeholders, policymakers, trade unions and industry representatives.
Through this project, European Social Partners reaffirm their joint commitment to high social and environmental standards, transparency and continuous improvement in the leather industry.
Project reference: 101262556 under the Social Dialogue Programme
Coordinator: COTANCE / Co-coordinator: industriAll European trade union
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| This project has received funding from the European Union. Sole responsability lies within the author and the Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein. |